Mixtec Handball

by Gretell de Gala

Photo: Barbara Joan Schaffer

Pelota Mixteca, an ancient sport unique to Oaxaca,
has experienced a resurgence in recent years. This year, at
the 18th annual international tournament held in Bajos de Chila,
teams came from as far away as Fresno,
California and Los Angeles, as well as from
the State of Mexico.

This handball without a wall, was
played barehanded by the founders of Chila
in the 1880s. Now, however, the players
use a heavy leather glove and a larger ball
that can reach speeds of 120 km per hour
or more.

Pelota Mixteca is played by two teams,
each with five players on the field. It is not a
professional sport. Most teams do not have
uniforms. But it requires a lot of practice,
agility and strength.

The playing field measures 9 x
100 meters, more or less. The teams
are separated by a space of 8 or 9
meters. The goal is to throw the
ball to the opposing side where
it is hit back and stays in play as
long as possible — usually just a
few minutes. The team which wins
3 out of 5 games gets the set. The
triumphant team must win 3 out of
5 sets.

Photo: Ernesto J. Torres, Casa 12

The teams in Chila were organized
into three divisions. The first
was for the more experienced players
and the third for the very young
and the old.

For more information go to this
website.
If you want to train,
contact Alexis Cruz 954-114-6231.

There is no age limit, and the players
in Chila ranged from 14 to 75.

The brightly painted ball of vulcanized rubber has a diameter of
12 cm and weighs 930 grams. The glove, which weighs from 4 to 6
kilos, is made of layers of leather, with the striking surface covered
with iron nails to give it weight.